Compote de TOF (Christophe Constantin)

“Compote de TOF,” composed by Christophe Constantin (mandolin) and accompanied by Loïc Gaudillat (guitar)

TOF: Christophe Constantin’s nickname, “given to me by a friend—it really made me laugh! ”—he plays an F5-style mandolin “made by my friend Jean-Marc Perrin, who, ever since I asked him to, has crafted quite a few mandolins that are highly regarded by experts in the field in France and throughout Europe. It has a very interesting sound for accompanying me when I sing (preferably in French).”

Loïc Gaudillat: a renowned and much-loved guitarist in the Rennes area (Brittany, France), he performs a wide range of musical styles and sometimes sings alongside Christophe Constantin. Their repertoire consists of French songs that are “funny and perfect for an audience that likes to join in, full of smiles and good humour” (Tof).

TOF also aims to introduce the mandolin as an accompaniment instrument for songs, something the audience always enjoys very much—whether it’s accompanied by a guitar, a double bass, or other instruments. Of course, the group continues to play bluegrass and other related styles.

According to composer Christophe Constantin, “Compote de TOF” is a mandolin piece that is “pleasant to listen to, easy to remember, and easy to learn if needed.”
“Since mandolin pieces tend to be composed with as many notes as possible, I thought it would be nice to appeal to an audience that rarely consists of experts and simply loves beautiful melodies.”

According to TOF: “Since time immemorial, the mandolin has been a leading light in music. No Internet, just loneliness with the instrument. But Pierre Bensusan, Christian Seguret, and the various bands of the ’80s and ’90s made me appreciate this music.”
A member of the band “Ol’Chaps” for 18 years, then Moonshine—more country-bluegrass in style—though few members remain from that era. With Acoustic River, a wonderful experience blending swing-bluegrass and French chanson. Various small groups and countless jam sessions: Craponne-sur-Arzon, AEGC, and the “La Roche” festival for the past 30 years. “I love improvisation and walking that knife edge. These days, I’m more interested in French chanson, where I’m pretty much on my own in performing the works of Brassens and all his spiritual sons and daughters. It seems to go over well, and… it’s a new direction because playing it on a mandolin isn’t exactly easy.”
YouTube Channel: @eltofdelparis

Instrumental in Bluegrass Style: